My first visit to DTE Energy Music Theater in fifteen years just had to be on one of the hottest days of the summer. I haven’t been to the venue since it was called Pine Knob because weather is unpredictable and there might be bugs and on and on and on.
But I was dying to see OneRepublic this summer, so I put my fears aside and bought tickets. The anxiety began to rise as I saw the weather forecast. And it was hot, but it didn’t affect me as much as the others. And even as I was standing there, dancing, and singing (or maybe it was more like screaming) for hours, I couldn’t help but think the heat added to the atmosphere. For me a concert is a catharsis, and the heat only added to the emotion and healing power of the music and the evening.
It had been a weird week with lots of emotion with Dad contemplating a possible career change and me being rejected by another agent who said she enjoyed my writing (oh the joys of trying to find an agent). I needed this concert in the worst way and it was everything I wanted it to be and more.
We arrived just before Fitz and the Tantrums took the stage. What a joy to see two awesome bands in one night! I ordered VIP tickets from Tick Pick, so we explored the Jeep Ivy Lounge, picked up souvenirs, and grabbed the first of four bottles of $5 water. The Lounge is so cool. The vibe is like the best outdoor party and it’s an awesome place to take a break without all the crowds around.
James Arthur also played but we missed him due to an accident and the police pushing everyone whom they had to know was going to the concert back onto the highway and four miles out of our way. It was super frustrating. As a shout out to him “Say You Won’t Let Go” really is a beautiful song.
We headed to our fifth row seats. They may have been the best seats I’ve had at a concert. I felt like I was right in the middle of the action. I actually attended this concert with Dad, giving Mom a respite. He went back up to grab some dinner while I enjoyed Fitz and the Tantrums set. They played about an hour. I loved their set but “Handclap” and “The Walker” were my favorite songs, rounding out their set. I have loved “The Walker” for years and remember watching the video with Dad a couple years ago while we were both in the exercise room.
We took another walk around the beautiful setting for the theater while we waited for OneRepublic to take the stage. DTE really is a beautiful place with lush greenery and several water features. You kind of just want to hang out all the time.
Just as the sun was about to go down, One Republic took the stage. Concerts are always an emotional experience for me; they allow me to let go and heal from the inside out for a few hours. With OneRepublic that was intensified because their songs have such soul to them. They are deep, meaningful songs with a slow, emotional burn. They filled me and for that I am thankful.
In addition to the power of the songs is the power of the band itself. They play different instruments and never for a single second let the heat get to them. They put themselves into that performance and I for one put myself into singing those lyrics right back. I sang and danced so hard, and though I could be (and probably am) wrong, I felt like Zach Filkins and maybe even Ryan saw my energy and love for them and appreciated it.
Hit after hit played with a couple hit songs Ryan Tedder wrote for other artists included. This was a really fun twist on the evening. “Halo” stood out to me. I mean, does it get any better than 15,000 people singing “Halo?”
It would be hard to choose a favorite song because all those OneRepublic songs that have been stuck in your head at one time or another over the past ten years were played. Everything from “Apologize” to “All the Right Moves” to “Kids.” Okay, so I’m still a little mad they didn’t play “Choke” because it is seriously one of my favorite songs of all time, but I can’t complain.
As the main set wrapped up, they played “If I Lose Myself” and Ryan Tedder headed into the crowd. He walked right past my seat and touched my hand! It was a really wonderful moment of connection for me and I’m sure all the other fans he encountered.
They returned to the stage for an encore of “Counting Stars,” “Rumor Has It” with Fitz and the Tantrums (such an awesome move!), and “Love Runs Out.” Though they only played 90 minutes, with Fitz’s set it felt like a very complete night. I can tell you my love for OneRepublic will never run out. When they come back, I will be there. Also, I’m shockingly looking forward to my next trip to DTE. Matchbox Twenty and the Counting Crows are playing in September …
aw I love One Republic!!! The concert looks awesome
They are one of my favorite bands!! Love their songs….Glad you had a great time. I know what a concert goer you are and how much you enjoy them…